Matthew C Goulet Jr.

Fairhaven - Educator, coach, and beloved father, Matthew C Goulet Jr. of Fairhaven passed away on September 30, 2023, at St Luke's Hospital after enduring several long illnesses.

Matt was born in New Bedford, MA on November 24, 1946, to parents Matthew "Red" Goulet and Delores "Pearl" Rodriques and lived in Acushnet throughout his youth. After graduating from New Bedford High School in 1964, Matt earned a B.A. degree in Education from UMASS Amherst, where he was an active member of the locally legendary fraternity, QTV. He always said that the first time he saw the movie Animal House, he swore it was based on his time in that fraternity.

After spending time in the Army Reserves, he was hired by Ford Junior High School in Acushnet as their Physical Education teacher and remained there for the rest of his career. It was there that he began to foster a love of photography, acting as the school's yearbook advisor for many years. Most notably, his love of coaching athletics began at Ford, leading their soccer team to numerous winning seasons.

Coaching was a huge part of his identity and he was known locally as someone you wanted your child to play for. In 1977, he and Joe Jason coached a Greater New Bedford Pony League All-Star team that went on to win the Pony League World Series in Pasadena, TX. That collaboration was rekindled in 1985 with a Twin Oaks team of the same league, where they went on to win several championships as well. From Fairhaven Little League to Fairhaven High School baseball, he expected a lot from his players, but every one of them loved to play for him.

His service to others would continue with roles in both the Acushnet Lions Club and the Fairhaven Livesey Club, serving as President of the latter for one year. Matt also served two consecutive terms on the Fairhaven School Committee and was proud to hand his son his diploma in 1991. In 2001, New Bedford High School inducted him into their Gridiron Hall of Fame for his play as a hard-nosed two-way end from 1961-1963.

Matt remained in Fairhaven after retirement and could often be found at Whaling City Golf Course, where he was a member. His favorite days were those spent playing 18 holes, followed by a great meal with friends, filled with laughter, well-told stories, and a fair dose of busting chops. If you ever drove by his house, you could find him in his yard planting shrubs, pulling weeds, and trimming trees. He took a great deal of pride in the appearance of his home's landscaping and spent countless hours at it until it was too difficult to do so.

Matt is survived by his daughter Jennifer Goulet of Acushnet and longtime companion Jeff Tavares, his son Matthew C Goulet III (Beau) and his wife Gail Goulet of Philadelphia, PA, and his grandchildren Zachary Silva, Austin Goulet, and Tyler Goulet. A celebration of life will be held at a future date for close friends and family.